Herbs

Grow your own Herbs for fragrance and a fresh taste!

Great selection of Herbs available

We have a good selection of herbs for that “something different” and what could be better than flavouring your meals with some home-grown herbs?

Not only do herbs provide you with a perfect way to attract bees and butterflies into your garden, but buying and growing herbs this way is a sure money-saving win.

Handy information on some popular Herb choices

We’ve put together some useful information on some of the most popular herb choices to help you on your way, including some examples of their uses. If you would like to know more or have a question just let us know

Basil

Basil, the staple of much Italian cooking, is definitely a useful herb to have handy.

If you are growing basil in the garden, sow in May and June into seed trays. The young seedlings should be teased out once they are about 3in tall and re-potted carefully into individual pots. Harden off the plants by leaving them outside during the day and bringing them inside at night. They will also need lots of liquid feed. Nip out the tips to encourage bushy plants. By July you should be able to harvest leaves for cooking.

Uses for Basil
Chopped fine/blended and combined with pine nuts and olive oil is the basis of a delicious pesto to add to pasta/pizzas.

Basil can also be a delicious garnish to any salad, or if you’re feeling daring, can add a whole new dimension to chocolate cake.

Mint

Mint is one of the more versatile herbs, in that it can be used for both sweet and savoury dishes – it is certainly worth your while to grow it.

Mint can run rampant in many gardens, so growing it in a pot is often the safer option.

Mint enjoys rich, moist soils, so managing water content is easier in pots, too. Make sure they’re in a sunny spot for the mornings.

Uses for Mint
Mint can be used in teas, added to roast lamb, combined with chocolate in ice cream or even added to couscous or salads.

Coriander

Coriander is often used in Indian cuisine and can add a beautifully fragrant element to many spicy dishes.

Coriander can struggle if kept in full sun all day, so give it a spot that is shaded at midday. It can be easier to grow in pots, so that the plant can be moved if necessary. If growing in pots, make sure they’re fairly deep as the tap root can grow long.

If you are going to grow coriander in beds outside, this is best done from seed, as transplanting coriander can cause plants to bolt – not ideal as it’s the foliage that the plant is grown for, rather than the seeds (although these do have their uses). Make sure, too, that the soil never dries out as coriander does not like drought-like conditons.

Uses for Coriander
Coriander, partnered with carrot, can make the most delicious soup. Add it to curries such as Jalfrezi or Tikka Masala, as well as Thai salads, to improve the flavour of any dish.

Chives

Part of the allium family, chives, similarly to mint, are an extremely diverse herb in that they can be used in all types of cuisine.

Chives like full sun and well-drained soil, however they can also grow in heavier soils in partial shade. They shoiuld be well fertilised too, if used often, with a fish and bone mixture or a vegetable plant food.

Despite the flowers being rather pretty, growth will be encouraged if the buds are snipped off.

Uses for Chives
With a flavour similar to garlic and onions, chives work well with risotto or perhaps even hummus.

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